F Francis Schuck

F. Francis “Fran” Schuck, His family, the local community, and the world at large have lost a wise and gentle man. On the morning of Friday, February 24, 2012 while looking over his beloved Lake Pend Oreille Fran unexpectedly passed away. Fran was born in Faribault, Minnesota, September 28, 1927 to Fred and Laura who had settled there to open the local JC Penney store. Fran was the youngest of four children born to immigrant parents. As did most children of his generation he walked to school, uphill, both ways, in blinding snow, at 40 degrees below zero. On these two-mile walks he developed his lifelong interest in architecture, aviation, and sailing. After graduating high school Fran joined the Navy where he served honorably to the end of WWII. He was one of The Greatest Generation. He furthered his education at St. John’s University and abroad, earning honors at the School of Beaux Arts, Fontainebleau, France. Upon his return in 1951 he continued his education in design and architecture at the University of Minnesota where he met his sweetheart darling. Fran and Kath were married in 1952. They raised six children in their home in Bloomington, Minnesota. In 1968 Fran incorporated his architectural firm specializing in commercial and church projects. During that time he took the occasional residential commission, which turned out to be a passion that he pursued for the rest of his life. He was at his best working with his clients, understanding their hopes and dreams and making them realities. While visiting North Idaho in 1983 Fran and Kath fell in love with the natural beauty and character of Hope and chose to retreat here in 1989 where he quickly immersed himself in the local community serving on the East Hope City Council for many, many years. He thoroughly enjoyed sailing Lake Pend Oreille with his widely extended marina family. Fran was an accomplished sailor, earning his Coast Guard Captain’s license and sailing the Caribbean. Fran had earned his pilot’s license at an early age and enjoyed flying antique and classic airplanes. Fran is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a son, Paul. He is survived by his wife Kath, sister Virginia McGough, children Forrest and his wife Mary Jo, David and his wife Jaye, Gretchen and her husband Brent Lockwood, John (available), and Andrea and her husband Jon Happe, eight grandchildren, and three great granddaughters. Funeral Mass for friends and family will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clarks Fork, Idaho on Monday March 5, 2012 at 11am. Friends and family may gather informally immediately after at The Old Church in Hope for coffee and conversation. Memorial Celebration June 16th at The Old Church in Hope, with burial to follow in the Hope Cemetery. Boat For Sale…